Types of Diamond Cuts
There are many types of cuts for diamonds, so how do you tell them apart and how do you know which one is right for your ring? On other websites you might visit, you could be overwhelmed at the information presented at the offset: the multiple charts, graphs, drawings, and industry terms can leave you more confused than when you started. There are a few main things you need to be aware of when looking at stones and we discuss the most relevant points for each cut of stone below. Read on to select the perfect diamond cut for your engagement ring or custom piece of jewelry.
Round Cut Diamonds:
The round cut diamond is by far the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings, and is in approximately 75% of all diamond engagement rings sold. The round diamond is generally superior to other cuts due to its ability to return light—a round diamond will produce more brilliance versus other cuts of stones. Typically because round diamonds have high production costs, they tend to cost more than other shapes.
Oval Cut Diamonds: 
Oval diamonds tend to face up very large if they are cut properly. This means that if you placed a 1 carat oval next to a 1 carat round, most people will say that the oval looks bigger than the round, even though the two stones are the same weight. Ovals are difficult to cut, so that makes it scarce and therefore desirable. The cost of any diamond is driven by demand, and the demand for this stone is high. Those looking to impress should consider an oval cut engagement ring.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds:
The pear shaped diamond is a brilliant cut and a combination of a round diamond and a marquise shape. While it can be worn either way, most women wear the pear-shaped diamond with the pointed end pointing away at the hand of the wearer because it elongates the hands and fingers creating a more elegant look. With pear shaped diamonds, buyers need to be aware of the “bowtie” or “butterfly effect”. This occurs if the stone is not cut correctly, and dark spots will appear in the stone. These are not inclusions, but less-refractive facets because the stone is incorrectly cut. This also occurs in marquise diamonds and oval shaped diamonds.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion cut diamonds have a classic, vintage, old Hollywood look to them. There are actually two kinds of cushion cuts: cushion brilliant and cushion-modified brilliant. Of these two, the cushion brilliant is by far the more valuable, more rare and more sought-after of the two cuts. It uses fewer, larger facets than the modified cut, giving it a more elegant and old-world appearance. Many cushion-modified brilliants suffer from a “Crushed Ice” look: there are so many facets at so many different angles that the stone looks busy, like crushed ice. Cushion brilliant can be about 15% more expensive than cushion-modified brilliants.
Princess Cut Diamonds
The princess cut diamond cut is one the more popular cuts of diamonds for engagement rings. This type of cut is a brilliant cut, as opposed to a step cut. This shape is the most efficient shape to cut, meaning you lose the least material of the rough diamond. This helps to keep the cost of a princess cut below the cost of a round diamond.
Marquise Shaped Diamond
The marquise diamond is an oblong shaped diamond, like a football. It’s a brilliant cut diamond and often gives the illusion of a greater size. The shape originated in the court of King Louis XIV of France and is called the navette, or “little boat”. The marquise diamond has one of the largest surface areas of any diamond shape, making it a good choice when trying to maximize perceived size.
Asscher Cut Diamond
The asscher cut diamond is similar to the emerald cut and is also a step cut diamond, but while the emerald cut is rectangular, the asscher cut is square. The technical name for the asscher cut is the “square emerald cut”.
Emerald Cut Diamond
The emerald diamond is a step cut and produces a hall-of-mirrors effect. Because of the nature of the emerald cut, inclusions in the stone and the body color are easier to see than in other shapes. If you like the glassy, large facet, classic, old-world look, an emerald cut diamond is the shape for you.
Radiant Cut Diamond
The radiant cut results in a brilliant-cut, diamond that looks like a square with the corners polished off. Radiant cuts are known for their brilliance as they have multiple facets that return light reflected in the stone. It’s a contemporary looking stone, and is a popular choice for a center stone. Radiant cut diamonds can also suffer from the “Crushed Ice” look, like cushion cut diamonds. The corners of princess cuts can be very susceptible to chipping, but the radiant cut does not have that problem. The radiant cut also differs from the princess cut in that it has different facet pattern.
Heart Shaped Diamond
The heart cut diamond is a brilliant cut diamond and is popular as a solitaire, ring or pendant and as a symbol of love.
Want more information?
Contact Concierge Diamonds today to request a consultation. We can help you craft the perfect piece of jewelry – whether an engagement ring, earrings, necklace or more. Click on this link to tell us more about your particular needs.
